Plus3 Pitt Johnstown Business

 

Plus3 is students' first chance to study abroad at Pitt. This two-week, three-credit interdisciplinary experience includes group travel with Pitt students, a Pitt faculty member, and a Pitt Program Assistant to one of seven locations. Students will be provided with a firsthand glimpse of globalization through industry-specific company tours, Q&A sessions with executives, academic lectures, and cultural visits.  


Information Sessions

Interested Pitt Business first-year students are encouraged to register for a virtual hour-long information session to learn more about the program. We’ll discuss the program timeline in more detail, offer helpful tips/suggestions for answering the short-answer questions on the application, and more. 
 
Virtual (registration required):
 
Wednesday, September 13th, 11:00 AM, Zoom

Program Information

Ecuador: Chocolate and Flowers

Ecuador is a major player in both the chocolate and flower global markets, and this equatorial nation provides the best firsthand experience on the global supply chain of two of the most unique commodities in the world. Through this program, students will gain background on Ecuador’s cultural and economic history that will provide valuable context as we visit companies, explore the chocolate and flower markets, and learn about sustainable agriculture and business. Students will taste, smell and witness first-hand many aspects of the chocolate and floral supply chains. 
 
  • Who: Pitt Business (Oakland campus) students, University of Pittsburgh Johnstown Business students
  • Site visits may include: A rose farm, a cacao agroforest, a coastal cacao plantation, a chocolate processing factory and packing center, a chocolate plantation, and more
  • Cultural activities may include: A tour of Colonial Quito, a hummingbird reserve, a weekend stay in the Waorani Nation, the lush cloud forests at 8000 feet, Isla de la Plata, Ecuador west coast, and stay at an Amazonian Rain Forest Field Station.
  • Locations will include Quito, the Andes Amazon Field School, the Waorani Nation, and Puerto Lopez

 

Student Blogs + More Information

Want to learn more? Check out the Pitt Plus3 Blog page for past participant experiences.

 

Upon arrival, students will be housed in Quito. 

The program will also travel to The Andes Amazon Field School. At the Field School, students will have spacious rooms that look out on the river and forest. Double or triple occupancy. Bathrooms in room. High quality mattresses for a good rest. Sleep to the sound of frogs, the river, and heavy rain on the roof. Students will then wake to the sound of birds.

The Andes Amazon Field School is located at the Iyarina lodge in the Napo region of Ecuador. Iyarina is located on the South bank of the Napo River, 100 miles east of Quito, and 10 miles from the town of Tena. At approximately 1965 feet above sea level the area is characterized by small Quichua communities clustered along the river bank. The forest surrounding these communities is among the most bio-diverse in the world with a high number of endemic species of flora and fauna. Iyarina is located directly on the waterfront surrounded by a 1380 acre rainforest reserve.

In addition to the Andes Amazon Field School, participants will be exploring Quito, Puerto Lopez, and the territories within the Waorani Nation.

What You'll Study: 

Plus3 is a 3-part program that occurs during the spring term with international travel the first two-weeks in May. Business students receive three credits for the completion of a Plus3 program. UPJ Business students should check with their department advisors for confirmation on what Plus3 could fulfill towards your degree.

 

Pre-Departure Classes – Approximately four or five cohort meetings with your faculty leader and program assistant in the spring term will help to prepare you for your time abroad. These sessions are mandatory for all participants.

Field Study – Company visits, guest lectures lectures, and a reflection blog comprise the academic portion of your two weeks in-country.

Post-Program Project – You will complete a project (details determined by the faculty member) that acts as a summary for your experience. 

 
Important: UPJ Business students are required to have successfully taken Introduction to Business (001) during either the fall or spring term prior to the program.

Plus 3 Program in Ecuador (BUSSPP0047)

This program provides students with the opportunity to apply concepts and tools acquired in BUSSPP 0020 abroad. Students work in teams on research projects, and business environment and practices abroad are compared to those in the U.S. The program abroad includes visits, lectures, and cultural excursions during a two-week study period in Ecuador under the guidance of a faculty member.

Each Plus3 site has a designated faculty member and program assistant that will lead workshops, oversee academics and logistics, and travel with you in-country. 
 
Faculty Member: Professor Skip Glenn
Professor Skip Glenn has explored Ecuador as part of research and training done for El Museo de Ciencias Naturales in Quito and the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia. His field experience has taken him from Loja Province in the south to Carchi Province in the north. Annually, he leads dozens of students to the natural and cultural riches of Ecuador found from the high Andes to the lowland rainforest. Having worked with the native Shuar and local scientists, he has a deep appreciation for the natural and cultural heritage of this great Andean nation.
Program Assistant: Rick Moslen
 

Your Pitt Study Abroad Contacts: 

Rick Moslen

I’m Rick, and I’m a Global Experiences Program Manger at Pitt Business. I have managed international programming, advised & taught international students, and helped others strengthen their cultural competancies for over seven years. My international interests began as an undergrad, and since then I’ve explored over 26 countries and have experienced everything from presenting on a panel at a music festival in Spain, to studying traditional dance music in Peru, to getting chased by monkeys in Malaysia (not recommended), to hiking to the top of Table Mountain in South Africa. Fun fact: I love turbulence on planes (it’s like getting rocked to sleep).

Feel free to contact me at rickmoslen@business.pitt.edu or 412-383-5476.

 

Schedule an appointment

Schedule an appointment with me using Handshake!

  • Log in to Handshake
  • Select Appointments > Schedule an Appointment
  • Select Pitt Business Global Experiences Advising as the Category
  • Select Global Experiences Advising - Pitt Business as the Appointment Type
  • Select a day, find my name and find time that works best for you!

Don't see a time that works for you? Just send me an email!

Your In-Country Contacts: 

Professor Skip Glenn

Professor Skip Glenn is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown. He has explored Ecuador as part of research and training done for El Museo de Ciencias Naturales in Quito and the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia. His field experience has taken him from Loja Province in the south to Carchi Province in the north. Having worked with the native Shuar and local scientists, he has a deep appreciation for the natural and cultural heritage of this great Andean nation.

Rick Moslen

I’m Rick, and I’m a Global Experiences Program Manger at Pitt Business. I have managed international programming, advised & taught international students, and helped others strengthen their cultural competancies for over seven years. My international interests began as an undergrad, and since then I’ve explored over 26 countries and have experienced everything from presenting on a panel at a music festival in Spain, to studying traditional dance music in Peru, to getting chased by monkeys in Malaysia (not recommended), to hiking to the top of Table Mountain in South Africa. Fun fact: I love turbulence on planes (it’s like getting rocked to sleep).

Feel free to contact me at rickmoslen@business.pitt.edu or 412-383-5476.

 

Schedule an appointment

Schedule an appointment with me using Handshake!

  • Log in to Handshake
  • Select Appointments > Schedule an Appointment
  • Select Pitt Business Global Experiences Advising as the Category
  • Select Global Experiences Advising - Pitt Business as the Appointment Type
  • Select a day, find my name and find time that works best for you!

Don't see a time that works for you? Just send me an email!

Items Billed by Pitt

Program Fee $5400 $5600
Study Abroad Fee $300 $300
Total Billed by Pitt $5700 $5900

Estimated Additional Out-of-Pocket Costs

Additional Spending Money ~$100-$300

 

What's Included: 
  • Lodging for orientation in Pittsburgh and time abroad
  • Tuition for three credits
  • Roundtrip international airfare*
  • In-country transportation
  • Excursions
  • Most meals
  • International Health Insurance

While your program fee will cover most of your expenses, keep in mind that you are also responsible for the following:

  • Study Abroad Fee ($300)
  • Additional spending money (~$300-$500)**

*The cost of airfare is included in the program fee and includes roundtrip airfare to the host country and back to the United States on the scheduled departure and return dates. Upon the end of the program, students will have the option for their return destination to be Pittsburgh (PIT) or Philadelphia (PHL). Students are responsible for any cost of airfare beyond the price of the original itinerary from PIT to PIT or PHL. If another flight is required to return home, then the additional booking and the cost will be the responsibility of the student. 

**Remember that your lifestyle and spending choices can greatly affect the amount of money you'll need while abroad. Visit our budgeting page for more information.

 

Scholarships

Pitt Business students may also apply for additional scholarships through the CBA Global Experiences Scholarship here, as well as crowdfund using the Pitt Business Fund My Travel page. Please note that the application deadline for the CBA Global Experiences Scholarship is the same as the program application deadline.

When You'll Go: 

Dates for Plus3 2024 are May 3-17. Students will be required to report to the University of Pittsburgh on the 5th (designated time, based on location, will be determined in spring 2023). 

What Else You Need to Know: 

Application requirements

  • First year, first semester students from Pitt Business  
  • Students must have applied for a passport or already hold a valid passport by the application deadline. A valid passport means that it will not expire prior to the 6 month mark post program (see below for more details). If a student has a new or renewal passport processing, they must upload documentation that they've expedited that process and are waiting for a new passport to arrive. 
  • Students must have a clean judicial record
  • Minimum of a 2.75 GPA at the end of the first semester

 

Passports

Students must have applied for a passport or already hold a valid passport by the application deadline. A valid passport means that it will not expire within 6 months after the program (by November 20). If a student has a new or renewal passport processing, they must upload documentation that they've expedited that process and are waiting for a new passport to arrive.

  • Students can apply at the Allegheny County of Dept. of Court Records or at your local post office (check your post office's website for more details).
    City County Building
    414 Grant Street
    Monday-Friday from 8:30 am to 4pm, Wednesdays until 7pm. 
    Application: www.us-passport-service-guide.com
  • ​​​Check out our helpful Passport Guide for more information.

 

Plus3 Meeting

All participants are required to attend the virtual Plus3 meeting on December 9th at 10:00 AM. A link will be sent to all participants who complete an application. This meeting will review program details, logistics, and the study abroad agreement, which is the document that'll need signed in order to commit to the program. 

 

Plus3 Interviews

Students will be notified if they are accepted for the first round of interviews with faculty (along with their Plus3 location). Faculty interviews will take place the first week of the spring 2024 semester. Students MUST attend the Plus3 meeting on the 9th in order to be selected to interview for the program. 

 

Flights

The cost of airfare is included in the program fee and includes roundtrip airfare to the host country and back to the United States on the scheduled departure and return dates. 

All participants are required to arrive on-campus Friday, May 3rd and depart from PIT on Saturday, May 4th with the group to their location. 

Upon the end of the program, students will have the option for their return destination to be Pittsburgh (PIT) or Philadelphia (PHL). Students are responsible for any cost of airfare beyond the price of the original itinerary from PIT to PIT or PHL. If another flight is required to return home, then the additional booking and the cost will be the responsibility of the student. 

 

Disciplinary Record

  • One or more disciplinary violations on a student's record will trigger an additional review.  
  • Students with any drugs and alcohol-related violations will not be eligible to participate in Plus3. 
  • Students under active disciplinary sanction at the time of application and/or during the program are not eligible to study abroad.